Photos: Pollution no problem for Yamuna’s young swimmers

Jul 21, 2017 16:23 IST

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One of India’s most polluted rivers, the Yamuna struggles with urban waste despite repeated action plans aimed at the restoration of the ailing river. Declared a ‘living entity’ earlier this year, for children living along its banks, the Yamuna also plays training ground to aspiring swimmers and the more experienced acrobats among them. (Saumya Khandelwal / HT Photo)

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Despite concerns over the pollution of the Yamuna, the river still draws people for purposes of prayer and worship, daily chores like the washing of clothes or simple recreation by its banks. The young among these visitors, unfazed by its ecology jump right in. (Saumya Khandelwal / HT Photo)

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A rise in water levels due to the monsoon and the letting of waters from further upstream makes it the best period during the year for swimmers just taking to water or the more experienced among them. (Saumya Khandelwal / HT Photo)

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Yamuna originates from Yamunotri glacier as crystal-clear water from the Himalayas but by the time it moves down the eastern edge of India’s capital, it exits as the dirtiest river in the country. (Saumya Khandelwal / HT Photo)

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Bathing, using its water, and swimming in the Yamuna is akin to a fact of life for those who live around it. Many consider it a ‘mother’ like figure with thoughts of hazards around it hard to entertain. (Saumya Khandelwal / HT Photo)

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Despites the health risks of swimming in polluted waters these young boys and girls are keen on learn swimming in the Yamuna. High levels of ammonia, sewage and industrial waste are all pressing concerns on the health of this ancient river. (Saumya Khandelwal / HT Photo)

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Groups of boys can be seen leaping off the banks of the Yamuna in Delhi, where they hone their skills, diving and treading water. They also row boats which are then used to launch into tricks before they hit the water. (Saumya Khandelwal / HT Photo)

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The kids have grown up hearing stories of a Yamuna that once ran clear, and was frequented by tourists to New Delhi. As they dive in today, murky, waste laden water and a river in frail health is all that greets them. (Saumya Khandelwal / HT Photo)

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Despite all attention to Yamuna emanating over concerns to the deterioration of its waters, the river continues to be a part of daily life for people living by its banks. The young among them making use of the Yamuna as a backyard swimming pool.